Daring assessments, the assessments looks correct, which like the figure, assessment seems to be the content. right? wrong? hope? hopeless? symbols speak, body language looks for recognition, in our self. Strong piece worthy of thought. Excellent review, excellent choice for reviewing.

Who is Sebastian Smee and why are his views on a small, apparently anonymous painting from 1470-ish important? If the panel is as small as Smee says it is (he offers no dimensions) why does he wax so much about the torture instruments believed by many to have afflicted the Christ to be grouped around the work's central figure. If the artist wanted to include the devices, how else could he have done so? Smee seems to be trying to render an interpretation of a matter of faith. Maybe he should stick to the art, if he has to wax.

Anyone who has something interesting to say about art is worth hearing from and Sebastian Smee clearly has something interesting to say. Thank you for an insightful look at this odd, fascinating painting.

Boy, what a grump.

Folks, just be grateful the Globe actually published the word "Christ." That in itself made the story interesting.